Review: 910065 Coconut Cape
Posted by CapnRex101,
Though classic LEGO themes have occasionally been represented in LEGO Icons, the BrickLink Designer Program has done much of the work recently. 910065 Coconut Cape is another fine example, serving as a counterpart to the lovely 910053 The Thieves of Tortuga.
This set has been available to pre-order for a few days now, but there are still several days to go and the Coconut Cape definitely warrants a closer look, for anybody considering making a pre-order. This will be quite a brief review, but one with plenty of photos.
Summary
910065 Coconut Cape
£189.99 / $209.99 / €209.99
Buy at LEGO.com »
Coconut Cape has the feel of an official LEGO Icons set and an impressive one!
- Beautiful colour scheme
- Plenty of realistic features
- Amazingly detailed palm trees
- No issues with fragility
- Difficult to identify a perfect angle for display
- Some sparse interiors
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
The Completed Model
Coconut Cape is beautifully detailed and I love its bright colour scheme, which feels true to the classic LEGO Pirates range and sets like 6276 Eldorado Fortress. However, it is difficult to find the fortress' most attractive angle on display because the structure somehow lacks much in the way of visual balance, with features like the palm trees and lone bastion looking a bit isolated.
Additionally, while open-backed buildings do not usually bother me, this example looks strange, in my opinion. Perhaps because of sets like Eldorado Fortress, I think an island fortress should look complete on every side and I particularly expect that from the BrickLink Designer Program, where play value is less of a concern than it is for standard sets.
Having made those critiques, this is still a brilliant set and the palm trees are a nice example of why. There are plenty of LEGO palm trees, but these two are probably the most realistic I have seen and they are solidly constructed, making impressive use of 1x2 plates with angled bars to attach the layers of leaves. The new leaves growing from the centre of the canopy are a clever detail as well.
The aforementioned bastion really stands out, with relatively plain whitewashed walls. There is still some detail though, thanks to the occasional 1x2 masonry bricks and the rounded bartizan turrets on each outer corner. I would love to see a LEGO set with triangular or even pentagonal bastions in the future, like a traditional star fort, although this will suffice for now.
Of course, this fortress needs somewhere for boats to dock, which looks decidedly vulnerable beside the mighty bastion. However, it is once again quite detailed, including wooden mooring posts on the dockside and more strategically-placed brickwork texture, plus a stickered wanted poster, resembling Captain Brickbeard. A rowing boat and a shark complete this section of the model.
The base of the structure is very spacious and easily accessible because the upper levels are designed to be removed. There is not a huge amount of detail inside though, unfortunately, as the first area is seemingly used exclusively for storage. A few barrels are stacked in the corner and I like the water on the floor against the opposite wall, but there was potential for more.
An archway leads from the storage room into another chamber, with bunk beds for the soldiers and a prison cell. The bastion is attached to the rest of the base using two Technic pins, so you can separate it for access. Even so, you really need to remove the roof as well, which this panel was not designed for.
That feels like an oversight because you simply cannot reach the prison without removing the roof. Once you can see the internal details, however, I like the olive green stripes on the bunk beds and the stickered posters placed on the wall, including a recruitment poster with a figure resembling the ever-honourable Lieutenant de Martinet.
Next door we find the armoury, packed with a selection of weapons and other accessories for the minifigures. Again, this looks fine, though it feels like the designer was struggling to fill the space. I understand that the bowels of a fortress would normally be sparse in reality, but I was still hoping for more, such as a dining room or maybe some hammocks.
I do like the hidden doorway though, as moving the rifle rack aside reveals a pirate's treasure hoard! Like the bastion, the rocky outcrop is removable for better access to the interior, with a treasure chest, some coins and a printed pirate flag inside.
Returning to the exterior, I like the stone steps up to the fortress walls, with ample room for two cannons and for minifigures to stand guard. These cannons look fantastic, thanks mainly to the realistic proportions between the wheels and the cannon barrels, although they do not fit snugly on a studded surface because of the wheel spacing, which is a shame.
You are past the halfway point of construction by the time you begin the focal building, but this tower dominates the whole model, nonetheless. I absolutely love its white and flame yellowish orange colour combination, with a dash of dark orange from the terracotta roof tiles, which is a nice update to the colours associated with classic Pirates sets. The little architectural flourishes around the windows and between floors look marvellous too.
Additionally, the interior of the ground floor is unexpectedly detailed, featuring a tiled floor and some lovely furniture. There are no extraordinary building techniques in here, but whereas the interiors below seem rather sparse, this room is as detailed as I would expect to see.
There is no staircase or even a ladder to reach the floor above, however, which is another odd choice. That would work for a play set, but in a model like this one, I think the rooms should be fully interconnected. Moreover, space on the balcony is very limited, which makes it awkward to place a minifigure there.
Apart from its defensive role, Coconut Cape serves as a lighthouse. I like how the shape of the light housing matches the bartizans below and the bird's nest is a good feature too. Three flags are provided to finish this model, each adorned with stickers and based on the Imperial Soldiers, Imperial Guards and Imperial Armada factions. These are fine options, taking advantage of the generic minifigure designs.
Overall
Though a good set on the whole, 10320 Eldorado Fortress never truly satisfied my interest in a modern Pirates-themed fort, but 910065 Coconut Cape gets closer. This is not a perfect design, as I think some interiors could be improved and I wish the building was fully enclosed, but this is still a stunning model on display. The warm colours of the central tower are just gorgeous.
Also, I sometimes criticise BrickLink Designer Program sets for their fragility, but Coconut Cape really feels like it could be a conventional set, apart from the minifigures, which remain an ever-present weakness of BrickLink sets. Nevertheless, the price of £189.99, $209.99 or €209.99 is reasonable, so I would absolutely recommend 910065 Coconut Cape.
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24 comments on this article
I like most aspects of this, so I pre-ordered it to go with the Privateer Frigate Fortuna that hasn't shipped yet. Still, it's puzzling why the roof of the front section hasn't been designed to be removable so that the holding cell is accessible. It seems like a fairly simple change to make that wouldn't require big changes to the structure.
I was tempted but already have Eldorado Fortress, Pirates of Barracuda Bay, Thieves of Tortuga and Ominous Isle so finding it hard to justify if only for lack of storage and display space.
I think the interior detailing is just right for a cellar/prison/barracks representing this historic era. There is also real play-depth here, unlike in most sets that TLG releases but marketed for children, even though it's an 18+ set for the nostalgic AFOL. So Coconut Cape won me over in an instant.
Hmmm, I think if you have the money for this, it might be more worth while to get a used copy of Eldorado Fortress.
@iwybs said:
"I like most aspects of this, so I pre-ordered it to go with the Privateer Frigate Fortuna that hasn't shipped yet. Still, it's puzzling why the roof of the front section hasn't been designed to be removable so that the holding cell is accessible. It seems like a fairly simple change to make that wouldn't require big changes to the structure."
Oh c'mon iwbys, rip this set a new one, i know you got it in you, and you know the design could be much better. it's so bland and empty compared to other modern pirates sets, like @johleth said if you have the money might as well buy Eldorado or double up on it, to create a colorful fort wall
I hope you enjoy your copy, and i still appreciate our dialogue on improving my model after S10. (playfully) I hope to draw your criticism in S12 with my next model. Cheers all.
Having seen the pictures, it looks like something I could create with my spare bricks. I think the back side should be all covered up with a rocky facade, and then maybe an exterior stairway can be added here to the top floor.
@Denmark_Dragon said:
" @iwybs said:
"I like most aspects of this, so I pre-ordered it to go with the Privateer Frigate Fortuna that hasn't shipped yet. Still, it's puzzling why the roof of the front section hasn't been designed to be removable so that the holding cell is accessible. It seems like a fairly simple change to make that wouldn't require big changes to the structure."
Oh c'mon iwbys, rip this set a new one, i know you got it in you, and you know the design could be much better. it's so bland and empty compared to other modern pirates sets, like @johleth said if you have the money might as well buy Eldorado or double up on it, to create a colorful fort wall
I hope you enjoy your copy, and i still appreciate our dialogue on improving my model after S10. (playfully) I hope to draw your criticism in S12 with my next model. Cheers all."
I hope to have time to mod the roof of the front section when this is delivered in six months or so. As for Eldorado, I got that a year or two ago and I didn't end up liking it very much. It's a tedious, messy build and I usually prefer clean, efficient builds like Coconut Cape. The spacious interior of Coconut Cape is also a plus, because the Governor's office in Eldorado is absurdly small. I think of Coconut Cape as the fortress to pair with the Fortuna, just as Eldorado is the fortress to pair with the Barracuda.
Looking forward to seeing the next version of your Arctic convoy in BDP 12, or anything else you intend to contribute. What are you looking forward to in BDP 11? I'm hoping for the Armada Galleon Esperanza.
@iwybs said:
" @Denmark_Dragon said:
" @iwybs said:
"I like most aspects of this, so I pre-ordered it to go with the Privateer Frigate Fortuna that hasn't shipped yet. Still, it's puzzling why the roof of the front section hasn't been designed to be removable so that the holding cell is accessible. It seems like a fairly simple change to make that wouldn't require big changes to the structure."
Oh c'mon iwbys, rip this set a new one, i know you got it in you, and you know the design could be much better. it's so bland and empty compared to other modern pirates sets, like @johleth said if you have the money might as well buy Eldorado or double up on it, to create a colorful fort wall
I hope you enjoy your copy, and i still appreciate our dialogue on improving my model after S10. (playfully) I hope to draw your criticism in S12 with my next model. Cheers all."
I hope to have time to mod the roof of the front section when this is delivered in six months or so. As for Eldorado, I got that a year or two ago and I didn't end up liking it very much. It's a tedious, messy build and I usually prefer clean, efficient builds like Coconut Cape. The spacious interior of Coconut Cape is also a plus, because the Governor's office in Eldorado is absurdly small. I think of Coconut Cape as the fortress to pair with the Fortuna, just as Eldorado is the fortress to pair with the Barracuda.
Looking forward to seeing the next version of your Arctic convoy in BDP 12, or anything else you intend to contribute. What are you looking forward to in BDP 11? I'm hoping for the Armada Galleon Esperanza."
I’m really hoping Esperanza makes it through!
Ordered this as I was able to snap up the Tortuga set a few weeks ago. Now to hope for some unsold Privateer Frigate Fortuna's to come available like Tortuga was
What torsos are under the armor?
@dimc said:
"What torsos are under the armor?"
The torsos are plain reddish brown.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @dimc said:
"What torsos are under the armor?"
The torsos are plain reddish brown."
Makes me wish I'd ordered more than 6 bluecoats from PAB when Eldorado was out.
Upon further review, thinking this goes best with The Thieves of Tortuga and Privateer Frigate Fortuna, of which I have neither.
Disappointed with the stickered flags (could use the pirate one instead, though)
Owning Pirates of Barracuda Bay, Eldorado Fortress, and Ominous Isle, I see no need to get this.
Happy with my purchase of Dustmark Keep (x2) from BDP Series 7.
Can you please add Anti Venom paper bag gift to your magazine gift catagory as I (and many others) would like to register it in my sets. thanks.
Argh @CapnRex101 - stop encouraging my Bricklink habit!
@yellowcastle said:
"Argh @CapnRex101 - stop encouraging my Bricklink habit!"
If anything, this well-written review perfectly outlines the exact reasons why I didn't get Coconut Cape, despite being the target audience for this set, and also having a habit of getting at least one set of each BLDP drop.
Admittedly, it looks great -- but only from some specific angles. It also has some weird design choices that I can't get past, even though I really want something just like this to add to my Pirates collection. It feels like it's 70-80% there, but not enough for me to splurge the 200 bucks.
The only bit of criticism that this review omits is that, while the brick-built canons look absolutely great, the canon balls are waaaay too big to realistically fit in them. It's kind of comedic, but along with the other design flaws I honestly wonder whether or not this was intentional, and I tend to think it was another oversight rather than a conscious choice of the designer.
It's a pity, because I do find parts of it really great. My wallet is kinda happy about it, though...
It’s just a lot of grey for such a tropical set
@skypilot22 said:
"It’s just a lot of grey for such a tropical set "
Yes. Medium Tropical Grey.
This is really charming and adorable, but not for 200 euros what the hell man
@dimc said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" @dimc said:
"What torsos are under the armor?"
The torsos are plain reddish brown."
Makes me wish I'd ordered more than 6 bluecoats from PAB when Eldorado was out. "
I supplemented mine with a bunch of sailors from the BaM station at the Lego Store. Happy days…
The colors and foliage in this set are just perfect for me in evoking the Caribbean. I could not bring myself to buy Eldorado Fortress as it just seemed disjointed compared to Barracuda Bay and Thieves of Tortuga. The realism of Coconut Cape and even beauty I can’t pass up. Looking forward to the Frigate Fortuna as well.
I own all of the previous pirate-themed BDP, but I'm going to pass on this one. I find it quite boring somehow. It both looks nice, but is also too much flat walls and white and grey surfaces. Not even counting the lack of filling of rooms.
@CaptainMoore said:
"I own all of the previous pirate-themed BDP, but I'm going to pass on this one. I find it quite boring somehow. It both looks nice, but is also too much flat walls and white and grey surfaces. Not even counting the lack of filling of rooms. "
Same here.
This seems like it should appeal to me, but the last few BDP sets I purchased (like Tortuga) ended up being taken apart and put into storage.
It's hard for me to discern the exact reason why the BDP sets don't hold my interest the same way that official LEGO sets do, but more and more I'm leaning toward their overall lack of functions, play features and the generic minifigures.
I'd love to hear what everyone else thinks though... because I'm not really sure.
Over the last few years, I've realized that my own passion for LEGO is rooted in modding sets (for display), not buying sets for display, so LEGO's increasing emphasis on shelf sets without much in terms of functions or cool features is undeniably a big part of why I haven't really purchased anything this year.
The apparent popularity of the recent LEGO Ideas winners and the overall BDP makes me think that I'm probably in the minority, however. Based on how 2026 has been, people seem to like static shelf sets, don't care (nor want) to modify their sets, and love buying re-re-re-releases of the same stuff with minor variations. It's odd that the set I'm looking forward to the most this year is going to be a GWP but it is what it is.
Mini-rant aside, I do think Coconut Cape itself looks nice. I don't really consider the open back to be an issue personally. I've never really seen that criticism for the LotR or other official (expensive) sets that also have open backs, so I'm not sure where that comes from. They're not really designed to work into a larger plan like the modular sets are.
However, I'm not sold on the decision to opt for realism. I can't tell if Coconut Cape is attempting to be historically accurate or if it wants to be consistent with the overall LEGO pirates theme. The set just looks kind of weird to me.
I wish the designers of 21343 Viking Village had a go at the Pirate theme. The details from every angle never fail to impress me.